'Wild Walks' in Victoria's parks a questionable idea

Parks Victoria and tourism interests are proposing a new 148 km north-south multi-day walk through the Grampians. Starting at Mt Stapylton, the walk would go along the Mt Difficult and Mt William ranges, and finish at Dunkeld. It's aimed at bushwalkers who want more 'comfort'.

Sketch of a proposed camping shelter for the Grampians walk. Illustration: Parks Victoria

It would have defined campsites (to be pre-booked), with tent platforms and possibly some kind of shelter.

There would also be the option of walks guided by licensed tour operators.

A long-distance walking route traversing the Grampians sounds like a good idea, but there are several concerns about the proposal.

It would add more tracks to an area which is already fragmented, potentially leading to more pest plant and animal invasion and more human impacts.

There are also concerns the walk is aimed at the top (wealthy) end of the market, rather than at all visitors, especially people who don't have ready access to national parks and who could benefit from programs and facilities designed to encourage them.

'Wild Walks' appealing to the top end tourism market are also proposed in the Alpine National Park (Hotham - Falls Creek) and along the Croajingolong coast.

An expectation for the alpine walk is that walkers would be well fed at 'wilderness camps' (outside the national park), and ferried back to their starting point by helicopter.

Helicopters are also proposed for Croajingolong.

In Canada's Jasper National Park, helicopters are forbidden to fly across the park's boundary.

The idea of using helicopters over remote areas seems completely contradictory to sustainability, self-sufficiency, people's experiences and park values.

Look for more on this subject in the next edition of Park Watch.